Australian Meat and Bone Meal Nutritional Technical Review Executive Summary Meat and Livestock Australia 2003 Published by Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd ABN 39 081 678 364 (MLA) November 2003 ISBN: 1 74036 395 7 Disclaimer: Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication. However MLA cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the publication. Readers should make their own enquiries in making decisions concerning their interests. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is prohibited without the prior written consent of MLA. Contact: Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd Tel: (02) 9463 9166 Fax: (02) 9463 9182 Level1, 165 Walker Street, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia www.mla.com.au Compiled by: Birirrk Associates, VIC, Australia John Aird, Birirrk Associates John Spragg, JCS Solutions. Acknowledgement: This project was jointly funded by the Australian Renderers Association and Meat and Livestock Australia.
Features of Australian MBM Australian rendered product is predominantly produced from non-pressure lower temperature plants which are less likely to damage amino acid quality but provide quality assured and safe ingredients for use in animal feeds. The Australian Standard for Hygienic Rendering of Animal Products (AS 5008:2001) encompasses quality assurance components relevant to rendering and incorporates two levels of microbiological safety via a validation that the heat process used destroys pathogens and that the process is monitored by means of regular sampling and testing. Australia is free of BSE and all other transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) Australia has received the highest geographic BSE risk (GBR) for countries Level 1 rating, meaning that in Australia "it is highly unlikely that domestic cattle are infected with the BSE agent". Survey results identify Australian MBM as having lower levels of biogenic amines than levels found in fish meal and poultry meal. Renderers of products with higher levels of biogenic amines have responded in changing processing techniques to manufacture MBM with lower levels of biogenic amines. Australia has one of the best track records in the world for producing high quality beef and sheep meats which are chemical residue free. The same animals producing chemical residue free status beef and sheep meats also result in chemical residue free MBM. MBM is characterised as a protein meal which supplies a highly available source of phosphorus. Unlike plant materials, MBM does not contain phytic acid which binds phosphorus reducing its availability. The amount of fat within MBM provides a valuable source of energy for animal feeding. The gross and digestible energy results of Australian MBM is consistently higher than NRC values and is significantly higher than vegetable protein meals. The Australian rendering industry utilises lower temperature continuous cookers, with ambient air pressure. Recent research work has shown MBM manufactured under Australian conditions may provide amino digestibilities in excess of 90%. Reviews of amino acid levels of meat and bone meal have shown Australian MBM to be consistently higher in amino acid content especially lysine. Typically Australian MBM has short 'kill to cook" times which maintains high palatability as well as preserves digestibility especially for petfood applications. Australian MBM purchased from individual producers is highly consistent. Single species meals are available such as ovine and bovine meals.
This Technical Dossier contains a compilation of published data relating to MBM and its use in animal feeding. The aim of this publication is to provide animal nutritionists and feed industry participants with a consolidated source of data, thus increasing their knowledge and understanding of MBM and its application as a raw material. Australian rendered product is predominantly produced from non-pressure lower temperature plants which are less likely to damage amino acid quality but provide quality assured and safe ingredients for use in animal feeds. Australian renderers have been at the forefront of developing quality assurance to improve the integrity and ever increasing standards for food safety. The Australian Renderers Association launched its Code of Practice in 1994 and in 2001 provided the basis for the Australian Standard for Hygienic Rendering of Animal Products (AS 5008:2001). It encompasses quality assurance components reflected under ISO 9002 guidelines and application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) methods. In addition the Australian Renderers Association have developed formal training of plant operators and management in safe and hygienic rendering techniques, and bi-annual industry International Symposiums focussed on improvement to quality for its customers. The greatest Salmonella risk in finished feeds is found from use of raw materials such as grains and vegetable protein meals with higher inclusion levels. Even when MBM is taken as having a potentially high incidence, it remains a lower risk due to its lower inclusion rate. Australia is free of BSE and all other transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). The European Commission (EC) publishes an assessment of the geographic BSE risk (GBR) for countries. Australia has received the highest GBR Level 1 rating, meaning the EC considers that in Australia "it is highly unlikely that domestic cattle are (clinically or pre-clinically) infected with the BSE agent". MBM contains fat which although largely in a saturated form can be subject to oxidative rancidity. The practical control mechanism to prevent rancidity is through the use of antioxidants. Biogenic amines are the breakdown products of amino acids found in a range of foods. They are found in animal protein meals such as MBM, fish meal and poultry meal. There are contradictory results that have not clearly identified that biogenic amines found at typical levels within MBM are sufficient to reduce bird performance. They are of less importance in pigs. Australia has one of the best track records in the world for producing high quality beef and sheep meats which are chemical residue free. The same animals producing chemical residue free status beef and sheep meats also result in chemical residue free MBM. MBM is primarily considered as a high protein raw material which also has added value in supplying energy, minerals and vitamins. Because MBM is derived from animal tissues, it has been used for many years as a reliable source of amino acids. Protein consists of amino acids which form complexes which gives proteins their individual characteristics and properties. MBM has high levels of essential amino acids. The amino acid content has a high correlation with the protein content of MBM. Recent research work has shown MBM manufactured under the correct conditions provides amino acid digestibilities in excess of 90%. The ash component of MBM is principally the mineral derived from bone together with lesser amounts of minerals contained within animal tissues which are rendered. It is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also supplies additional quantities of iron and zinc relative to other raw materials.
The amount of fat within MBM provides a valuable source of energy for animal feeding. The gross energy results from a survey in 1999 show gross energy of 17.38 MJ/kg (4,154 kcal/kg) which compares better than previous research. MBM has been widely used as a poultry raw material for many years. Within Australia due to its ready availability, the poultry industry has commonly used MBM at levels of up to 10% inclusion in broiler and layer rations. Greater numbers of feeding trials have been completed in the USA, where MBM has been studied as a substitute for soybean meal. It is recommended that when feed formulations are based upon digestible amino acids, the following inclusion levels of MBM can be used for poultry rations. Poultry Type Usage Rate Broiler Starter 8% Broiler Grower/Finisher 10% Layer 10% Turkey 10% MBM has been widely used as a raw material in pig feeding for the last 100 years. Within Australia the pig industry has commonly used MBM at levels of up to 10% inclusion in pig rations. This level of feeding is considerably higher than that practiced in North America and Asia where greater reliance is placed upon the use of vegetable protein meals in combination with feed phosphates. The following levels of inclusion are recommended for use in all pig diets: Pig Type There are a number of variables which require consideration when selecting the best level of inclusion of MBM in fish diets. The most important include the species being fed, and MBM specification with reference to crude protein and ash levels. Varying levels of replacement of MBM for fish meal are achievable, resulting in a significant reduction in diet cost. The replacement of fish meal with MBM is recommended as: Carp, tilapia and perch 75-100% (fresh water omnivorous) Barramundi (warm water carnivore) 100% Trout and salmon (cold water carnivores) 25% Prawn and shrimp (crustaceans) 25% Usage Rate Early Weaner 5% Weaner 8% Grower/Finisher 10% Breeder 10% Dogs and cats are the most popular companion animals world-wide. Dogs are classified as omnivorouscarnivores and cats true carnivores. As domesticated animals they are dependant on their owners to provide the essential nutrients they require. Both also have a relatively high requirement for protein at maturity. For many pet food companies while their feeds are based on NRC and AAFCO data, their formulations will be modified according to their own research and animal feeding trials. Typically levels of 20-25% MBM inclusion in dog foods are used depending on other raw materials available. The life stage of the pet is also important, whether growing, pregnant or lactating. In cat diets the levels of inclusion will depend on the ash content of the MBM. For low ash MBM (<20%) higher levels can be used dependant on the choice and availability of alternative raw materials.